Egypt views supporting Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks as a vital national security imperative, but remains determined to avoid being drawn into a war in Yemen, an Egyptian member of parliament (MP) said after the legislature authorized a possible military role.
The Egyptian parliament approved the mandate on Monday by a two-thirds majority after President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sought permission to help defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requested assistance.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), MP Ahmed Belal cited the need to protect the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a gateway to the Red Sea and Egypt’s Suez Canal, as a core reason for Egypt's security stance. He also strongly opposed potential Israeli intervention in the region.
"For Egypt, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a national security issue. The safety of navigation in the Red Sea, stability in the Gulf and in Yemen are part of this national security. The U.S. President announced that Israel can intervene to protect Saudi Arabia. Egypt cannot accept that, Egypt will not allow Israel to have a foot in Saudi Arabia,” Belal said.
Addressing these security concerns, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has stressed that any Egyptian military role would remain strictly defensive, explicitly ruling out direct strikes inside Yemen.
Mohamed Sherif, chairman of the Al Arab Center for Studies, echoed this stance as he emphasized that Cairo seeks to protect Saudi Arabia without becoming entangled in a wider regional war.
"Egypt doesn't want to get involved in wars. Egypt will not attack Yemen. We believe that we are a state of peace. President Abdel Fattah EL Sisi is supporting Saudi Arabia to achieve peace. Airports are being targeted in Saudi Arabia, civilians are dying that's why Egypt is defending national security,” Sherif said.
Yemen’s Houthi-run parliament has urged Egypt to avoid military involvement and support a political settlement. Egypt’s National Defense Council has also pledged to intensify diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Egypt approves defensive role to support Saudi Arabia, vows to avoid war in Yemen
Egypt approves defensive role to support Saudi Arabia, vows to avoid war in Yemen
Thousands of people gathered in Cape Town for a weekend of colorful kites at the 32nd Cape Town International Kite Festival this October 24 and 25, as the giant shapes floating above the city carried a serious message about mental health and community support.
First organized by Cape Mental Health in 1994, the event is Africa's oldest kite festival. Organizers said it serves as a reminder that one in four people in South Africa lives with a mental health condition, with many struggling to access help.
For 32 years, kite flyers from across the globe have gathered in Cape Town to see this spectacular sight, but these shapes taking over the clouds carry more than just wind. They carry a vital message about human connection and mental health.
"So many people are battling with everyday life circumstances that we are exposed to. In South Africa, in particular, we see high crime rates, gender-based violence, poverty. These are all risk factors that impact on people's mental health. More than one billion people globally live with a mental health condition. In South Africa, it's one in four who live with a mental health condition. We're seeing an increase in prevalence, particularly amongst our young people. The Cape Town Kite Festival really provides this platform to encourage people to put up their hand and say, 'I need help,'" said Ingrid Daniels, CEO of Cape Mental Health.
The festival also raises funds for free mental health services across the Western Cape.
"Looking at something beautiful. I think [it] gives everybody hope. It's not just about the beauty. It's about the message it gives and the color of the sky. It's everybody. It's a rainbow of colors," said Frans Marais, an honorary kiter at the festival.
"Today, I am here to support the awareness around it and for people to be comfortable to talk about it, because many people, they suffer in silence. And that is where actually the problem lies," said Bernadine Chilwane, a festivalgoer.
Indeed, raising awareness is only the first step. Breaking the stigma around mental health means making it easier for people to speak up and ask for help.
"There are a lot of people in the world that hide their mental health and don't actually tell their families and get to tell their families about. There's always someone in your friend group or your family that you can actually tell what you're actually going through," said Kyra Blackenberg, a volunteer at Cape Mental Health.
Cape Town Int'l Kite Festival helps raise mental health awareness
